sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er ˈsən-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus (Helianthus, especially H. annuus) of New World composite plants with large yellow-rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil

Examples of sunflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Block after block of hulking data centers – both new and under construction – rise up seemingly out of nowhere from rolling plains and fields of sunflowers and sorghum. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Finally, the straight species of false sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides) produces abundant, high-fat seeds in daisy-like, yellow flowers. — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Between them, Ukraine and Russia supplied the world with more than half of its sunflower oil, nearly a fifth of its barley and 14% of its wheat in the years leading up to the war, according to the UN. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

BetterDays Grip Powder is formulated to lift, condition and smooth the roots and contains arrowroot extract, provitamin B5, vitamin E and sunflower extract. — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sunflower

• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower
• mayflower
• safflower
• wallflower
• watchtower
• wildflower

Kids Definition

sunflower

noun

sun·​flow·​er -ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: any of a genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds